Ordering Recommendation

Not recommended for herpes simplex virus (HSV) testing; IgM lacks adequate predictive value for acute infection. If pursuing antibody testing, refer to Herpes Simplex Type 1 and Type 2 Glycoprotein G-Specific Antibodies, IgG by CIA (0051152). If acute HSV infection is suspected, molecular testing is preferred; refer to Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV-1/HSV-2) Subtype by PCR (2010095).

New York DOH Approval Status

This test is New York state approved.

Specimen Required

Patient Preparation
Collect

Serum Separator Tube (SST).

Specimen Preparation

Separate from cells ASAP or within 2 hours of collection. Transfer 0.5 mL serum to an ARUP Standard Transport Tube. (Min: 0.1 mL) Parallel testing is preferred and convalescent specimens must be received within 30 days from receipt of the acute specimens. Mark specimens plainly as "acute" or convalescent."

Storage/Transport Temperature

Refrigerated.

Unacceptable Conditions

Contaminated, heat-inactivated, hemolyzed, icteric, or severely lipemic specimens.

Remarks
Stability

After separation from cells: Ambient: 48 hours; Refrigerated: 2 weeks; Frozen: 1 year (avoid repeated freeze/thaw cycles)

Methodology

Semi-Quantitative Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay

Performed

Sun-Sat

Reported

1-2 days

Reference Interval

0.89 IV or less: Not Detected.
0.90-1.09 IV: Indeterminate - Repeat testing in 10-14 days may be helpful.
1.10 IV or greater: Detected - IgM antibody to HSV detected, which may indicate a current or recent infection. However, low levels of IgM antibodies may occasionally persist for more than 12 months post-infection.

Interpretive Data



Compliance Category

FDA

Note

Hotline History

N/A

CPT Codes

86694

Components

Component Test Code* Component Chart Name LOINC
0050641 HSV 1 and/or 2 Abs, IgM by ELISA 41399-7
* Component test codes cannot be used to order tests. The information provided here is not sufficient for interface builds; for a complete test mix, please click the sidebar link to access the Interface Map.

Aliases

  • HSV
  • HSV antibodies type 1 or 2
Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 and/or 2 Antibodies, IgM by ELISA